I want apply for a V5 for a bike I bought of Ebay well over a year ago. It came without a V5 and I was originally going to use it as spares but have managed to get it roadworthy and usable.
The application form asks when I acquired the bike. Whats the best thing to put on-the truth or will I be fined for not applying straight away or if I put a recent date on will any checks be carried out and I'll be got that way instead?

Tell the truth and shame the devil. With hindsight it is easy to say you should have sorned it, but you didn't know what you were going to do with it then. The worst they can do is charge you one year back tax but if you phone their advice line and tell the what happened they will probably tell you what to do.

I noticed on one of their info leaflets it is now the sellers responsibility to inform dvla of change of keeper. I've a few bikes that don't have v5's but in their case it's almost cirtain they wern't on the road recently enough for continuous registration to apply so no call to sorn. I'd tell dvla nothing you don't have to. Bought it at an autojumble last weekend, or ask the classics chaps as there are hundereds of old bikes and cars out there with no papers getting registred. Keep us posted on the results, might help to know what's involved for when or if mine get to mot'able state (It's tax exempt age ). I've a feeling that at least in the case of classic machinery, that dateing certificates for year and possibly follow up inspections if dvla can be arsed / smell a rat are required. If it goes that way there is a points system operating for vehicles retain their identity. Points awreded for original parts used, you need a total of 8 to dodge a q plate. 5 for a chasis, 2 for steering, 2 for transmission, 2 for axles (both) 1 for the engine. I think this applies to stuff that didn't make it onto dvla computer when they computerised their records. Fee for getting a log book this way £40 I believe

If you phone their advice line and tell the what happened they will probably tell you what to do.

Ya think? We sold a car that was due to go as a trade-in on Ebay, as we got more £££ for it than the trade-in offer...

1. We sent off the V5 bits for that, along with the stuff from the new car she got.

2. Log book for new car arrives.

3. Purchaser decides it's not for him and he's selling it on, can we send him the V5 please? We say - didn't you get it then...? We got the new car log book that was sent in the same envelope to the same place...

4. We phone aforementioned advice line; They say that it's probably lost in the system, and tell us to tell new owner to apply for a log book himself - when the letter arrives to us saying he's done it, just ignore it - and a new V5 will be issued to him.

5. Letter arrives - we ignore it.

6. A £55 fine arrives to us for not informing them of change of keeper...

4. We phone aforementioned advice line; They say that it's probably lost in the system, and tell us to tell new owner to apply for a log book himself - when the letter arrives to us saying he's done it, just ignore it - and a new V5 will be issued to him.

5. Letter arrives - we ignore it.

6. A £55 fine arrives to us for not informing them of change of keeper...

(7. £55 fine is cancelled after irate phone call to 'Advice' line...)

so, if you called the advice line and got the fine quashed then the advice line works!!!

well true, but it want the dvla helpline that sent the fine. it was the feck all use dvla paperwork machine. doesnt it make a change to ring a helpline and actually get help, rather than the usual, 'if you want to hang on an hour for a yts trainee to accidentally cut you off,,,,, press one'

Sent £25 quid and the necessary forms off with a "slight" mistake on the date I acquired it, and today about 3-4 weeks later a nice new V5 with my name on came. No questions asked. I've just Sorned it and it says it was last taxed over 8 years ago, so don't know if that makes a difference.